Fun Run : 10 mile Tomales Point

Last November, 2012 running friend Jake wanted to do a different kind of run and picked Tomales Point since he had such fun hiking it before.  The run is a 10 mile out and back from the last public place to park at Pierce Point Ranch all the out to Tomales Point.  The terrain is mixed road, dirt trail and sand as you get near the point.  You can expect to meet hikers and tule elk.  Total elevation change is an interesting 1473 feet since there were not many steep hills so much as many rolling hills; so the elevation sorta sneaks up on you.  The views on the sea side are just breathtaking : looking out on expansive ocean from sea cliffs.  On the bay side you can see the occasional kayak, seal and homes on the land side.  A truly great place to run or hike with the family.

Running the Oakland Marathon

On March 24th, 2013 I 'won' a random drawing to run in the Oakland Marathon.  What made this random drawing special was:

a) My company hosted the event which means I was entitled to VIP parking and VIP pass

b) I had just run my very first full marathon (Napa Valley Marathon) on March 3rd and wasn't sure if three weeks was enough time to recover. [More on that later]

One year running anniversary!

I officially started running Wednesday, July 25, 2012 and completed 1.425 miles in 15.35 min or 10.77 min/mile pace.  I was chasing my youngest son around the long block and I remember as if it was yesterday the heat building up and sweat poring down my face, the wheezing and absolute exhaustion and joy when we finally stopped.
One of the main motivating factors to start running was health because after a routine annual checkup my HDL (High-density lipoprotein) or 'Good Cholesterol'  was too low and Triglycerides were too high.  My weight was also a heavy 168!  I'm only 5 foot 9-10" and thin boned.  I knew I needed to get in shape but hated the gym, liked cycling but just couldn't keep a routine up and swimming...forget it.  Love to play in the water but doing endless laps just wasn't going to happen.  Running was the easiest to do after crawling out of bed and turned out to be fun.  Why didn't I quiet cross county in high school after one semester?  Don't remember.

Now one year later, I'm down to a very lean 153 pounds and don't know my blood chemistry yet but my energy and endurance level has never been higher.  I'm completed many races including a 50km/31mile trail run.

I know people who try all kinds of 'diet programs' but rarely have I ever heard of any long-term success.  There is just no substitute for putting a pair of running shoes on, getting your 'mojo' on, favorite tunes, running buddy and hitting the road or trail.  And you can pretty much eat/drink whatever you want afterwards.

Looking forward to another year of running and health living!